If you’re buying a home for the first time, you’re going to have questions about where and how to begin. An experienced realtor can be your best friend during the process – acting as an invaluable resource for cutting the jargon and getting clear, straightforward answers to your questions.
However, to give you a basic understanding of how to get started with your home search, we’ve compiled some of the most asked questions homeowners tend to have when buying a home. In this blog, we tackle everything about the home search, including when to contact a realtor to what to look for during a walkthrough, and when you need a home inspection (spoiler alert: always!)
When should I engage a realtor?
The short answer is, the sooner, the better.
Even if you’re not ready to tour homes quite yet, it’s a smart idea to contact a realtor when you’re seriously considering purchasing a home. They can help you understand the current market, set realistic expectations, and connect you with a trusted lender so you can start thinking about what you can and cannot afford. Plus, the earlier you engage a realtor, the more time they have to get to know you and your preferences, helping them find you the best home possible.
Is an older home better value than a new home?
It really depends on what matters most to you. Older homes are usually located in well-established neighborhoods and may cost less up front. They also tend to have more character and features that are tough to replicate in newer homes, but they might require more maintenance and repairs – which can add up fast.
Newer homes, on the other hand, typically feature modern layouts, energy-efficient systems, and updated finishes. You’ll likely have fewer repairs in the early years, but you may pay more upfront, especially if the home is in a newer or less-developed area.
What should I look for when walking through a home?
Before you schedule any walk-throughs, put together a list of ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves’, and have a pen and paper handy to check these off as you tour a home. Beyond your list, keep the following in mind during your walkthrough:
- Big-ticket items – Ask about the age and condition of things that are costly to replace, such as windows, the roof, plumbing, HVAC system, and flooring.
- Yard size – Will it work for your gardening, hosting, or even your dog’s needs?
- Natural light – Tour during the day to take note of how much sunlight each room gets.
- Storage space – Check the hall, bathroom and bedroom closets, as well as kitchen cabinets, garage space, and basement or attic space.
- Appliances – are they in good working order or will they need to be replaced soon?
- Future Needs – Will the size, storage capacity, and layout work for you in 5 years?
The bottom line: don’t get caught up in the staging or cosmetic features that can be easily swapped out, like paint colors or hardware fixtures. And don’t be afraid to take notes or photos—your future self will thank you.
What questions should I ask my realtor about a home?
From sale history to whether the home is priced fairly and beyond, your realtor can provide a lot of great insight into the home you’re considering. Head to our blog to learn 10 key questions to ask your realtor during the home search.
How many homes should I look at before choosing one?
There is no magic number here. The first home you tour may check your most important boxes, or it might take a dozen different walkthroughs for you to fall in love. The key is to just know your priorities and not have unrealistic expectations that you will find the ‘perfect’ home.
Do I need to be present for the home inspection?
It’s not required for you to be there during the home inspection, but it’s a good idea to be present. Not only does this give you a chance to ask questions as they move from room to room, but the inspector will also be able to give you context about anything that shows up later in their inspection report, which can be a little overwhelming to read – especially as a first-time buyer.
Do I need a home inspection for a new construction home?
Yes – just because everything is brand new does not mean it was done to the highest of standards. It may have passed a city or county inspection, but these inspections are usually focused on code compliance, whereas a professional home inspector looks for quality, safety, and potential issues, not just the bare minimum to meet code. And if for nothing else, it’s worth it just to have an extra set of eyes.
At Ohio Real Title, we believe every client deserves a smooth, successful real estate transaction, and are committed to providing you with the resources and support needed to navigate the home-buying process with confidence and ease.